The Vodacom Bulls Under-20 side will get their 2022 SA Rugby Under-20 Cup campaign off to a start when they take on the Leopards Under-20 side at Loftus B-field on Friday at 11h00.

After weeks of hard preparations, the youth side from Pretoria will be able to put their plans to the test against a competitive opposition side.

The talented group of Vodacom Bulls U20’s will be led by captain, Eric Basson, and Sonwabo Sokoyi as vice-captain.

Furthermore, the side will also rely on the experience of loose-forward Cameron Hanekom, Tielman Nieuwoudt and Carlton Bannies who are some of the team members who featured for the side in the 2021 edition of the junior competition.

Vodacom Bulls U20 head coach, Wessel Du Plessis, said: “We have been happy with the behind-the-scenes work these boys have put in over the past weeks, and we now look forward to all of that coming together as we begin our season.

“We are expecting a tough encounter against a Leopards U20 team that always comes to Loftus fired up and well-prepared. We expect physicality, expansive and clever rugby to be played on the day. We will need to be at our best if we want to start our campaign on a high note.”

The Vodacom Bulls U20 team to play Leopards U20 is:
STARTERS (15-1):
Franco Knoetze, Katlego Letebele, Sonwabo Sokoyi (Vice Capt), Carlton Bannies, Quewin Nortje, Compion von Ludwig, Tiaan Fourie; Cameron Hanekom, Eric Basson (Capt), Gcinokuhle Mdletshe, Ruan Delport, Merwe Olivier, Tielman Nieuwoudt, Tiaan Lange, Juann Else.

IMPACT (16-26):
Johan Lombaard, Nazier Nizaar, Johan Louw, Ghudian van Rheenan, Abulele Ndabambi, Rowan Cloete, Moemagare Mohlodi, Munashe Dukuswa, Rynard Mouton, Willie Potgieter, Gert Steyn.